LIVE was founded as a school covers act named PUBLIC AFFECTION. Earlier guitarist Chad Taylor, bass player Patrick Dahlheimer and drummer Chad Gracey had operated as FIRST AID, evolving into PUBLIC AFFECTION with the enlistment of Ed Kowalczyk on vocals. In this incarnation the group issued the cassette 'The Death Of A Dictionary', reaction to which led to a development deal with the Giant label. Subsequent demos though did not prompt a deal with Giant but did prompt the interest of Radioactive Records.

LIVE's debut album 'Mental Jewellery', issued in April of 1992, was produced by former TALKING HEADS man Jerry Harrison. The album lyrically proved ambitious, being a conceptual series of works based upon the teachings of Indian scholar Jiddu Krishnamurti.

1994's follow up 'Throwing Copper' hit the Grunge scene at its peak. The record maintained a tenacious grip on the Billboard charts retaining its hold with suport from radio play afforded to 'Operation Spirit' and 'Selling The Drama'. Bolstered further by extravagant MTV exposure for 'I Alone' the album climbed the American charts to reach the coveted number 1 spot.

1997's 'Secret Samahdi' gave LIVE their second U.S. number 1. The band's September 2001 album 'V' included the track 'Forever May Not Be Long Enough', used as the theme music for the blockbuster movie 'The Mummy Returns'.